John Olaf Brelsford

John Olaf Brelsford, 58, of Kenton, Tennessee, passed away at his home on August 24, 2026. He was born on November 24, 1967, in Fairbanks, Alaska.

John was preceded in death by his parents, James Allen Brelsford and Addie Rose Brelsford. He is survived by his sister, Jenny (Kevin) Turner; niece, Julianna Rose Turner; and nephew, James Ethan Turner, along with extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

John last actively attended China Grove Baptist Church in Rutherford, Tennessee. He also enjoyed watching the Sunday morning livestream services of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee and Dyer First Assembly of God. His faith and connection to these services brought comfort, connection, and peace to his life.

A graduate of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, John earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Arts with a minor in Business Administration. He developed a genuine love for television and radio broadcasting. Throughout his career, he worked at WBBJ TV7 and several radio stations, including Q102. He also enjoyed assisting with the broadcast of TCA football games on Friday nights. Radio was something John genuinely loved. It brought him great joy and allowed him to build lasting connections and friendships.

John was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan as well as a devoted Tennessee Volunteers football fan. He especially loved watching his nephew, Ethan, play basketball. His family will always cherish the memories of the happy moments when John was able to simply enjoy life, laugh, and share in the things he loved.

John faced significant and painful challenges during the later years of his life, including struggles that were difficult for both him and those who loved him. John's family does not want him to be remembered through the lens of those difficult years. Instead, they choose to remember, and ask others to remember, the John who had a voice made for radio and a laugh worth hearing. The John who knew every Cardinals roster and every Volunteer statistic. The John who showed up to watch his nephew play basketball and cheered the loudest in the gym. The John who loved broadcasting, sports, family, friendship, and the simple moments that brought him joy.

John Olaf Brelsford will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone whose life was touched by his. His family will forever hold close the memories of the brother, brother-in-law, and uncle they loved and the happier moments they shared with him.

May John now rest in the peace that was so difficult to find in his final years, free from the struggles that burdened him, and surrounded by the grace and love of God.

Services for Mr. Brelsford will be privately held. Karnes & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Olaf Brelsford.